The client tasked RAREculture with developing a custom art program for Sake No Hana — a lively, modern Japanese izakaya located within the Moxy Bowery. The brief called for artwork that would reflect the drama, sensuality, and ritual of Japanese dining culture, while aligning with the high-energy, nightlife-driven atmosphere of the venue.

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There was a specific desire for art that would feel textural, immersive, and handcrafted, with a focus on organic materials and layered installations. The client envisioned a mix of traditional influence and contemporary execution — a space that would feel transportive, yet rooted in the energy of downtown New York. Art was to be seamlessly integrated into the design narrative, with standout moments that elevated both the dining experience and the physical environment, particularly in the private dining areas and feature walls.

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The goal: to create an environment where art, texture, and light converge, evoking intimacy, mystique, and a reverence for cultural craft — all while remaining playful and visually arresting.

To bring the Sake No Hana vision to life, RAREculture focused on craft, sensuality, and material storytelling. We developed custom hand-embroidered wall coverings, designed to evoke the refined ritualism of Japanese textile traditions while adding depth and shimmer to the space. For the private dining room, we collaborated with an artist in Peru to create a dramatic installation of hand dip-dyed horsehair tassels, individually crafted and richly pigmented to flow like suspended silk — a nod to both movement and ceremony.

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Throughout the space, we sourced vintage Japanese kimono fabrics, integrating them as layered accents to enhance authenticity and texture. The result is a collection of pieces that feel immersive, intimate, and globally crafted, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with downtown edge.

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“The space features leather, metal and glass elements … long, kimono‑like tapestries … lighting fixtures that recall traditional Japanese pottery.”